Vacuum cleaner with wand activated conversion valve

ABSTRACT

A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction inlet is provided on the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel, a suction generator and a wand receiver are carried on the housing. A first air flow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vessel and the suction generator. An air flow control valve includes a valve body received in the first air flow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending into the wand receiver. A cleaning wand assembly is displaceable between a first storage position wherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wand receiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a second position wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wand receiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging the actuator and closing the valve. A second air flow pathway connects the cleaning wand assembly to the first air flow pathway between the valve body and the dirt collection vessel.

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/683,485 filed Mar. 8, 2007 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/780,212 filed on 8 Mar. 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the floor care equipmentfield and, more particularly, to a floor care apparatus incorporating awand activated flow control valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Upright vacuum cleaners and extractors have become increasingly popularover recent years. Both floor care apparatus generally incorporate anozzle assembly that rides on wheels over the floor surface to becleaned. A canister assembly includes an operating handle that ismanipulated by an operator to move the floor care apparatus to and froacross the floor. The canister assembly also includes a dirt collectorthat traps dirt and debris while substantially clean air is exhausted byan electrically operated fan that is driven by an onboard motor. It isthis fan and motor arrangement that generates the drop in air pressurenecessary to provide the desired cleaning action.

Many upright vacuum cleaners and extractors also provide a cleaning wandthat is manipulated by the hand and used to clean areas typically notreachable or generally regarded as cleanable with the suction inlet ofthe nozzle assembly. Such apparatus are also equipped with multipleposition valves that allow the operator to convert the apparatus betweenfloor cleaning through the suction inlet of the nozzle assembly andspecial task cleaning through the inlet opening of the wand. Such valvesmust be able to seal off either the suction inlet or the inlet opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as describedherein, an improved floor care apparatus is provided. The floor careapparatus comprises a housing including a nozzle assembly carrying asuction inlet and a canister assembly connected to the nozzle assembly.The apparatus further includes a dirt collection vessel and a suctiongenerator that are both carried on the housing. In addition, a first airflow pathway connects the suction inlet to the dirt collection vesseland the suction generator. Further, a wand receiver is carried on thehousing.

In addition the floor care apparatus includes an air flow control valve.The air flow control valve has a valve body received in the first airflow pathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extendinginto the wand receiver. Still further, the apparatus includes a cleaningwand assembly that is displaceable between a first or storage positionwherein a first end of the cleaning wand assembly is held in the wandreceiver engaging the actuator and opening the valve and a secondposition wherein the cleaning wand assembly is withdrawn from the wandreceiver for cleaning with the cleaning wand assembly therebydisengaging the actuator and closing the valve. In addition, theapparatus includes a second air flow pathway connecting the cleaningwand assembly to the first air flow pathway between the valve body andthe dirt collection vessel.

In accordance with additional aspects of the invention, the actuatorincludes a plug for sealing and closing an open end of the cleaning wandassembly when the cleaning wand assembly is in the first position.Further, the apparatus includes a spring that is connected to the flowcontrol valve. The spring biases the flow control valve into a normallyclosed position. In addition, the flow control valve includes a pivotshaft. The valve body and the actuator pivot about a pivot axis definedby this pivot shaft.

In accordance with additional aspects of the invention, the dirtcollection vessel may take a number of forms. In one embodiment the dirtcollection vessel is a filter bag such as a standard vacuum cleaner bag.In another possible embodiment the dirt collection vessel takes the formof a dirt cup. That dirt cup may include a cylindrically shaped dirtcollection chamber, a tangentially directed inlet and an axiallydirected outlet. Such a construction allows for cyclonic air flow andthe cleaning benefits provided by such air flow that are well known inthe art. Further, a primary filter may be provided in the dirt cupupstream from the axial outlet.

In addition, the apparatus may include a secondary filter in the firstair flow pathway between the dirt cup and the suction generator.Further, the apparatus may include a final filter in the first air flowpathway downstream from the suction generator. Such a final filterremoves any remaining contaminants in the air stream before the airstream is returned to the environment.

In accordance with yet additional aspects of the invention the apparatusmay include at least one rotary agitator carried by the nozzle assemblyadjacent the suction inlet. Further, the canister assembly may bepivotally connected to the nozzle assembly in the manner of a standardupright vacuum cleaner.

The cleaning wand assembly of the floor care apparatus typicallyincludes a flexible hose. Further, the cleaning wand assembly mayinclude first and second telescoping sections so that the wand may belengthened or shortened as desired by the user. Finally, the cleaningwand assembly may also include a control handle for manipulating thewand assembly or the entire apparatus across the floor when the wandassembly is mounted in the wand receiver.

In the following description there is shown and described one possibleembodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of one of themodes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized,the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its severaldetails are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects allwithout departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddescriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thisspecification illustrates several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serves to explain certain principles ofthe invention. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are respective front and rear perspective views of afloor care apparatus, in this instance an upright vacuum cleaner,constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed partially exploded perspective view illustratingthe rear of the canister assembly including a portion of the first airflow pathway, the cleaning wand assembly and the flow control valve;

FIG. 3 is a detailed rear elevational view showing how the flow controlvalve and biasing spring are mounted in the canister assembly to allowfor pivoting movement about the pivot shaft of the flow control valve;

FIG. 4 a is a detailed cross sectional view illustrating the cleaningwand assembly in the first position, received in the wand receiver andfully seated on the actuator;

FIG. 4 b is a cross sectional view illustrating the position of thevalve body in the first air pathway when the cleaning wand assembly isin the first position as illustrated in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4 a but illustratingthe wand cleaning assembly in the second position as it is withdrawnfrom the fully seated position in the wand receiver;

FIG. 5 b is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4 b but illustratingthe position of the valve body in the first air flow pathway when thecleaning wand assembly is in the second position withdrawn from the wandreceiver as illustrated in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 is a schematical representation of a dirt cup providing forcyclonic airflow;

FIG. 7 is a schematical air flow diagram for the vacuum cleaner of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded, perspective view illustrating the latchmechanism for holding the cleaning wand assembly in the fully seatedposition on the canister assembly.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present invention, anexample of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 1 a showing a floor care apparatus10 of the present invention. As illustrated, that apparatus 10 is anupright vacuum cleaner. It should be appreciated that while a specificupright vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated, embodiments of the presentinvention also include different upright vacuum cleaners and extractorsconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The upright vacuum cleaner 10 includes a housing, generally designatedby reference numeral 12, comprising a nozzle assembly 14 and a canisterassembly 16. The nozzle assembly 14 includes a suction inlet 18. Thenozzle assembly may also carry a rotary agitator 20 adjacent the suctioninlet 18. The rotary agitator includes cleaning elements such asbrushes, bristle tufts, heater bars or the like. As the rotary agitator20 rotates, the cleaning elements 21 engage the nap of an underlying rugor carpet and serve to sweep dirt and debris into the suction inlet 18in a manner well known in the art. The canister assembly 16 carries adirt collection vessel, generally designated by reference numeral 22,and a suction generator 24.

The dirt collection vessel 22 may take the form of a filter bag such asa standard vacuum cleaner bag, which traps dirt and debris but includespores to allow the passage of air through the bag. Alternatively, thedirt collection vessel 22 may take the form of a dirt cup 100 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6. That dirt cup 100 may include acylindrical dirt collection chamber 102, a tangentially directed inlet104 and an axially directed outlet 106 in order to provide for cyclonicair flow and the cleaning benefits associated with that air flow thatare well known in the art. If desired, a primary filter 108 may beprovided in that dirt cup 100 over the axially directed outlet 106.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7, a first air flow pathway 26 connects andprovides fluid communication between the suction inlet 18, the dirtcollection vessel 22 and the suction generator 24. A secondary filter 28may be provided in the first air flow pathway 26 between the dirtcollection vessel 22 and the suction generator 24. In addition, a finalfilter 30, such as a HEPA filter, may be provided in the first air flowpathway 26 downstream from the suction generator 24. The final filter 30cleans any remaining dirt and debris from the air stream passing throughthe vacuum cleaner 10 before that air stream is returned to theenvironment. This includes any carbon particles that might have beenpicked up in the air stream after it passes over the motor of thesuction generator 24 in order to provide cooling.

A cleaning wand assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 32is carried on the housing 12 of the vacuum cleaner. As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 1 a, 2, 4 a and 7, the cleaning wand assembly 32 includes twotelescoping tubular sections 34, 36 and a cooperating latching mechanism38 that allows one to lengthen or shorten the wand assembly 32 asdesired. The telescoping wand assembly 32 may be constructed similar tothat illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,474 to Ohara et al, the fulldisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The wandassembly 32 also includes a control handle 40 that may be equipped withan on/off switch 42 and any other controls switching for the vacuumcleaner 10 as desired. A flexible hose 46 connects the handle end of thecleaning wand assembly 32 to a second air flow pathway 48 carried on thehousing 12 which is connected to and provides fluid communication withthe first air flow pathway 26 between the dirt collection vessel 22 anda flow control valve generally designated by reference numeral 50.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow control valve 50 includea pivot shaft 52 that carries a valve body 54 and an actuator 56. Theactuator 56 carries a sealing ring 58 that is sized and shaped to plugthe open or suction end 44 of the cleaning wand assembly 32 (see FIG. 4a) when the cleaning wand assembly 32 is received in the wand receiver60 carried on the housing 12 and fully seated on the actuator 56 of theflow control valve 50. This will be described in greater detail below.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the flow control valve 50 is mounted forpivoting movement with respect to the rear shell 62 of the canisterassembly 16. More specifically, the first and second ends 64, 66 of thepivot shaft 52 are received in cooperating grooves 68, 70 provided onthe rear shell 62 while an intermediate section 72 of the pivot shaftbetween the valve body 54 and actuator 56 is received in the slot 74provided on the rear shell 62.

The flow control valve 50 is biased into a normally closed position bymeans of a leaf-spring 76 having a first end received in a notch orgroove 78 on the underside of the actuator 56 opposite the sealing ring58. The opposite end of the leaf-spring 76 engages the bottom wall 80 ofthe wand receiver 60 formed in the rear shell 62. A cover 82 may besecured to the rear shell 62 by fasteners such as screws (not shown). Akeeper lug 83 is carried on the cover 82. The keeper lug 83 includes achannel 84 that receives the pivot shaft 72 and functions to hold thepivot shaft 72 in place in the slot 74. The cover 82 may be removed toprovide access to the flow control valve 50, the first air flow pathway26 and the wand receiver 60 for service if needed.

During normal upright vacuum cleaner operation, the cleaning wandassembly 32 is received in the wand receiver 60 on the rear of thecanister assembly 16. In this first position, the suction end 44 of thecleaning wand assembly 32 is fully seated on the actuator 56 so that thesealing ring 58 completely closes the suction end to prevent air flowthrough the wand assembly (see FIG. 4 a).

The cleaning wand assembly 32 is secured in the first position by meansof a locking mechanism including a spring loaded latch 120 carried onthe canister housing 16. When the wand assembly 32 is fully seated inthe wand receiver 60, the latch 120 is biased into engagement with thelatching slot 122 on the wand assembly 32 thereby securing the wandassembly. When one wishes to remove the wand assembly 32 from thecanister housing 16 for specialty cleaning, one depresses the actuator124. This action releases the latch 120 from the slot 122 therebyfreeing the wand assembly 32 for removal or withdrawal from the wandreceiver 60.

When the cleaning wand assembly 32 is in the first position asillustrated in FIG. 4 a, the valve body 54 is pivoted into the cavity 84formed in the first airflow pathway 26 so that the first air flowpathway is fully open. The valve body 54 engages the wall of the cavity84 so as to prevent dirt and debris from entering the cavity (note end55 of valve body 54 engaging the wall at point 57). Thus, when thecleaning wand assembly 32 is in the first position, the control handle40 of the cleaning wand assembly 32 may be used to manipulate the vacuumcleaner back and forth across the floor. Dirt and debris drawn into thesuction inlet 18 flows freely through the first air flow pathway 26 pastthe flow control valve 50 into the dirt collection vessel 22. Dirt anddebris are collected in the dirt collection vessel 22 before the airstream is then drawn through the suction generator 24 and returned tothe environment.

When the operator desires to perform a specialty cleaning function usingthe cleaning wand assembly 32, the operator depresses the actuator 124to release the latch 120 from the latching slot 122 as described above.The cleaning wand assembly 32 is then withdrawn from the wand receiver60. As the cleaning wand assembly 32 is being withdrawn, the suction end44 thereof becomes unseated from the actuator 56. The leaf-spring 76then functions to bias the flow control valve 50 to its normally closedposition (see FIGS. 5 a and 5 b). When this occurs, the valve body 54extends across and fully closes the first air flow pathway 26 leading tothe suction inlet 18.

When the suction end 44 of the cleaning wand assembly 32 is removed fromthe sealing ring 58 of the actuator 56, air is drawn by the suctiongenerator 24 through the cleaning wand assembly 32, the second air flowpathway 48, and the first air flow pathway 26 upstream of the valve body54 into the dirt collection vessel 22. Thus, dirt and debris drawn intothe vacuum cleaner 10 through the cleaning wand assembly 32 is trappedin the dirt collection vessel 22 before the air stream is drawn throughthe suction generator 24 and returned to the environment (see also FIG.7).

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of this inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. A floor care apparatus comprising: a housing including a nozzleassembly including a suction inlet and a canister assembly connected tosaid nozzle assembly; a dirt collection vessel carried on said housing;a suction generator carried on said housing; a first air flow pathwayconnecting said suction inlet to said dirt collection vessel and saidsuction generator; a wand receiver carried on said housing; an air flowcontrol valve having a valve body received in said first air flowpathway and an actuator having at least a portion thereof extending intosaid wand receiver; a cleaning wand assembly displaceable between afirst storage position wherein a first end of said cleaning wandassembly is held in said wand receiver engaging said actuator andopening said valve and a second position wherein said cleaning wandassembly is withdrawn from said wand receiver for cleaning with saidcleaning wand assembly thereby disengaging said actuator and closingsaid valve; and a second air flow pathway connecting said cleaning wandassembly to said first air flow pathway between said valve body and saiddirt collection vessel; said floor care apparatus being characterized bysaid cleaning wand assembly including a flexible hose and first andsecond telescoping sections.
 2. The floor care apparatus of claim 1wherein said actuator includes a plug for sealing and closing an openend of said cleaning wand assembly when said cleaning wand assembly isin said first position.
 3. The floor care apparatus of claim 2, furtherincluding a spring connected to said flow control valve and biasing saidflow control valve into a normally closed position.
 4. The floor careapparatus of claim 3, wherein said flow control valve includes a pivotshaft and said valve body and said actuator pivot about a pivot axisdefined by said pivot shaft.
 5. The floor care apparatus of claim 1,further including a spring connected to said flow control valve andbiasing said flow control valve into a normally closed position.
 6. Thefloor care apparatus of claim 5, wherein said flow control valveincludes a pivot shaft and said valve body and said actuator pivot abouta pivot axis defined by said pivot shaft.
 7. The floor care apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said dirt collection vessel is a filter bag.
 8. Thefloor care apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dirt collection vessel isa dirt cup.
 9. The floor care apparatus of claim 8, wherein said dirtcup includes a cylindrically shaped dirt collection chamber, atangentially directed inlet and an axially directed outlet.
 10. Thefloor care apparatus of claim 9, further including a primary filter insaid dirt cup upstream from said axial outlet.
 11. The floor careapparatus of claim 10, further including a secondary filter in saidfirst air flow pathway between said dirt cup and said suction generator.12. The floor care apparatus of claim 11, further including a finalfilter in said first air flow pathway downstream from said suctiongenerator.
 13. The floor care apparatus of claim 12, further includingat least one rotary agitator carried by said nozzle assembly adjacentsaid suction inlet.
 14. The floor care apparatus of claim 1, furtherincluding at least one rotary agitator carried by said nozzle assemblyadjacent said suction inlet.
 15. The floor care apparatus of claim 1,wherein said canister assembly is pivotally connected to said nozzleassembly.
 16. The floor care apparatus of claim 7, wherein said cleaningwand assembly includes a control handle.